I've got one of the leather Muzetto bags that was originally for an 11" Air. Still use it with the iPad and assorted things when I need a bag. After about 5 years, it still feels like new. Well made is a bit of an understatement.
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iPad mini How practical is the Mini as a "bring everywhere" device?
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I've got one of the leather Muzetto bags that was originally for an 11" Air. Still use it with the iPad and assorted things when I need a bag. After about 5 years, it still feels like new. Well made is a bit of an understatement.
Really, the iPad mini is probably the best iPad for taking places by far. The only exception to this is when it comes to doing a lot of typing, in which case, the iPad Air is your best bet (if for no other reason than the fact that the landscape mode keyboard has the letter keys spaced identically to that of any MacBook Air/Pro keyboard - but you could probably train your thumbs to type at a similar speed so this might be moot over time). Otherwise, in terms of going places and taking things, the iPad mini is the absolute best for taking places. I certainly prefer taking it places over taking my iPad Air places, unless said places happen to be friends' homes.
I bring mine everywhere I go. The mini, for me is a great companion device and when I pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard there's not much it can't do when I'm out and about.
Given that I can remember writing novels and essays on a Palm pilot with a folding IR keyboard, writing on an 8inch retina display iPad mini is sheer productive luxury.
Given that I can remember writing novels and essays on a Palm pilot with a folding IR keyboard, writing on an 8inch retina display iPad mini is sheer productive luxury.
Yeah, I tried to get used to the iPad mini's keyboard and just couldn't. The 9.7" iPad is the perfect size for typing, IMO. I've been using them since day 1 and can type on my iPad Air 2 with autocorrect almost as fast as I can on my MacBook Pro. I just couldn't take typing on my iPad mini 2 any longer, so I bought a keyboard case (not really a case, since it doesn't protect the back of the iPad) on Amazon today for it and I'm really excited to see what it's going to be like. When I had my old Nexus 7, I got the same type of keyboard for it and even hooked up a wireless mouse and treated it like a mini laptop.
Same here as far as typing on the mini. Tried it in landscape, tried it in portrait, both didn't feel comfortable. On the 9.7 iPad, interestingly enough, I got into the habit of thumb typing in landscape, and I got quite fast at that. But I'm really loving the iPP now -- it's finally like typing on a physical keyboard, just minus the key clicks. I was ever tempted to try a keyboard case for the 9.7 iPad or the mini -- that just feels too cramped, like a netbook.
You thumb type on the iPad Air in LANDSCAPE? How? Haha
Thumb typing in portrait is a little challenging sometimes for me. I can easily thumb type on the mini in portrait, but I prefer to type like on an actual keyboard, which I can only do effectively on the iPad Air in landscape.
Long thumbs?
I'm sometimes amazed myself I can do it, but yeah, it's the most comfortable way I find to type on the Air. I rest the Air on my knees, hold the edges with my fingers, and let my thumbs fly.
I actually can't thumb type on the iPhone, the mini, or the Air in portrait -- keys are too small. On the iPhone, I just peck with one finger. On the mini, I'm not sure what I did. I think I could thumb type with the Pro in portrait, though balancing it in portrait while trying to type is tricky.
For some reason, the keys on the Air feel too small for me to type like on a normal keyboard. I think those keys are more netbook size than regular keyboard size?
I just matched up the keyboard on my iPad Air 2 in portrait and my 13" MacBook Pro and they seem to be almost the same size, if not exactly the same size. Obviously though, since the iPad's display is a lot smaller than the entire MacBook Pro keyboard, you don't get the full keyboard. But the letter keys are the same size. The Q and P keys line up on both devices.
I agree that on-screen typing on the mini isn't great. I thumb type in portrait mode for quick edits/messages but for longer stints I use a cheap-arse bluetooth keyboard I bought on ebay for $10AUD. It's an Apple knock off in terms of style (but not quality ) but it works remarkable well and is very light weight. It uses replaceable AAA batteries too which is much nicer and more sustainable than a built in LiIon battery that I can't replace without an engineering degree.
) but it works remarkable well and is very light weight. It uses replaceable AAA batteries too which is much nicer and more sustainable than a built in LiIon battery that I can't replace without an engineering degree.
I'm really looking forward to getting my Bluetooth keyboard "case" for my mini just for typing.
I hope it works for you. My hands are little too big, then again I had the same problem with keyboards on those 10-inch netbooks too.
I had the same type of keyboard for my old Nexus 7, which obviously has a 7" screen. It's probably pretty comparable to the iPad's in terms of width in landscape. It took a little getting used to at first, because it was a full keyboard crammed into such a tiny space, but it was much easier to type on once I got used to it than the on-screen iPad mini keyboard. I'm sure I'll like it.
I have a bluetooth keyboard that actually folds up really small and has a little bag that goes around it. I don't usually use it, but when I do need to type something lengthy, it's a great accessory for the iPad mini.
I don't have it with me right now, but it's just an un-brand one I got on Amazon for like $20. It's been absolutely fine for me for sustained writing. The only thing I hate is transitioning from keyboard to screen when I need to make edits. I imagine I would be equally annoyed by that on an iPad Pro.
The mini fits perfectly in a suit jacket pocket. I carry mine to court, and no longer carry anything else to most hearings. All my legal files are electronic, and for seeing a document or reading arguments, it is great.
Now, if I have to take notes, there's still the need for a keyboard. I'll take the MBR in then, if I need to type.
Now, if I have to take notes, there's still the need for a keyboard. I'll take the MBR in then, if I need to type.
I find this incredibly interesting, and I totally agree. I get plenty of work done on my iPad mini. I did our taxes on it this year! In fact, I get just as much done on my mini as I did on my iPad Air. I have messed around with a Pro, but I honestly think it's overkill for what I need an iPad for. If I'm going to carry something that large around, I'd rather just have my rMBP.